Abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure for people who want to make their abdomen firmer and thinner by getting rid of any excess fat and skin, often caused by a massive weight loss or sagging tissues. It also helps with tightening the abdomen wall’s muscles. Even though a tummy tuck is one of the most common plastic surgeries around the world, there are many myths surrounding the procedure that make it difficult for people to consider this approach when they want to achieve a new look. So, here are the most common myths and the truth behind them:
Myth # 1: A tummy tuck procedure can affect a person’s weight
Reality: People who are looking into getting this procedure often have the wrong idea about its effects on the body. The truth is, this type of surgery won’t help you gain or lose weight, contrary to what many believe. After the surgery, it’s normal to notice a slight change in your weight. This is especially true if the fat cells were removed through liposuction. However, a tummy tuck procedure won’t have any direct effect on the body’s ability to make changes in one’s weight. That means it won’t improve your body’s fat-burning abilities, speed up your metabolism, or miraculously help you drop those few pounds you’ve been wanting to lose.
Keep in mind that contouring procedures such as the tummy tuck should never be considered a replacement for weight loss. These will never help you maintain a slim figure for years, either. Unless you make healthy changes to your lifestyle, along with regular visits to the gym, you will not be able to maintain the weight you want. The best way to achieve your fitness goals is to find the perfect balance among all these factors.
Myth # 2: A tummy tuck procedure can leave behind huge scars on a patient’s body
Reality: After any major abdominal procedure, expect to have some scars left behind. A tummy tuck won’t necessarily leave any large, unflattering scars after the surgery. In order to make the necessary changes to their patient’s fat cells, muscles, and skins, surgeons use tiny, well-hidden incisions that are placed in between the skin’s natural creases. Don’t expect to get a scar like the ones most women who had a caesarian section have on their tummies. If you’re planning to hit the beach after recovering from the surgery, you don’t have to worry about exposing your surgical scar. The bib-shaped incision pattern on the hips that most surgeons use when performing a tummy tuck in Salt Lake City can easily be covered by a pair of bikini bottoms.
Myth # 3: A tummy tuck procedure can be excruciatingly painful
Reality: It’s normal for any prospective patient to feel anxious about the amount of pain involved in the surgery. It’s not just a tummy tuck; any cosmetic surgery can cause people to feel nervous if they’re not fully informed about the procedure. The anxiety about post-surgical pain becomes even worse when patients include liposuction to their tummy tuck procedure. Fortunately, many patients who’ve undergone the procedure have attested to how manageable the pain they experienced was as compared to their expectations.
Discuss with Your Doctor
These are only some of the most common myths about the tummy tuck procedure. There are still a lot out there that may discourage you from getting it done. When in doubt, the best thing to do is to discuss your fears with your doctor. The best way to get over any anxieties about a procedure is to equip yourself with the right knowledge.